More sweet sounds to hit Derby's airwaves in digital radio plan

The people of Derby will soon be able to tune in to a wider range of radio stations via their DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radios thanks to a new plan bringing dedicated coverage just for the city.

Radio regulator Ofcom considered applications to establish a service that could revolutionise local radio and chose Derby DAB to make it happen.

The new DAB network will carry up to 30 new radio services including Derby Sound Community Radio that will be heard across the city.

The volunteer team at Derby Sound is delighted to be part of the successful bid, which will enable them to be heard on DAB radios in addition to their current online broadcasting.

Corie Stanfield, who chairs the board and presents the station’s folk music show, said: “We are extremely proud to be able to amplify Derby’s music scene and provide a microphone and platform for Derby’s diverse voices.

“We will be providing more opportunities for local people to hit the airwaves through our volunteer training and youth radio workshops.

”We are delighted to bring the sound of Derby to more of our community than ever before through our presence on the local DAB network, with entertainment, information, good company and fun 24-hours a day.”

Shobna Bazzaz, who is on the board of directors, said: “I am so proud and excited with this announcement because it allows us to move to the next phase of our journey, extending our reach in the community we serve, expanding the scope of what we can offer and enhancing how we engage the local area by providing true diversity and choice.

“This is a step that will not only support our organisational vision but also Derby's ambition to be a modern city of culture.”

The Derby Sound volunteer team has been working hard to broadcast to the community, keeping people company, reducing loneliness and sharing local information and lifting spirits, especially during the height of the pandemic.

They welcome the chance to reach beyond internet broadcasting and also be on people’s DAB radios across Derby, in their homes and on the move, connecting more listeners to the community with local content that cannot be heard anywhere else.

The station is crowdfunding and recruiting more volunteers to grow and prepare for its next exciting chapter.

Derby DAB will reserve space for not-for-profit stations at a discounted rate.

It is hoped this will open up the airwaves beyond the big national media companies, offering more affordable, accessible options for broadcasters such as student and hospital radio, specialist music, language and culture stations.

Radio presenters from neighbouring areas are keen to extend their coverage, adding regional, alternative music, South Asian and LGBT+ stations to broaden listener choice in Derby.

DAB has increased significantly over the last decade as it is considered to be a modern, more energy-efficient platform than FM and AM analogue radio.